Amsterdam's Epic Boat Tours for Solo Travellers

Right, let me spill the tea on Amsterdam's best-kept secret for meeting people and having an absolute blast – the legendary boat cruises! 

After countless solo trips to Amsterdam, I can hand-on-heart say these boat experiences have given me some of my favourite travel memories. And trust me, as someone who's done everything from sleeping in sketchy hostels to getting lost in the Red Light District at 3am, I know what makes a good Amsterdam adventure!

My First Time on Amsterdam's Party Boats 

Picture this: I'm standing on a canal dock, nervously clutching my bottle of Prosecco, wondering if I've made a massive mistake booking this boat trip as a solo traveller. Fast forward 90 minutes and I'm exchanging Instagram handles with my new best mates from Australia, Canada, and Brazil, planning which bars we're hitting up afterwards!

That's the magic of these experiences – they turn strangers into friends faster than you can say "proost!" (that's cheers in Dutch, btw). Whether you're flying solo like I was or bringing your whole squad, these boats are designed to break down barriers and get everyone mingling.

>> Read: How to Prepare for First Time Solo Travel

Things to Do in Amsterdam: Why These Boats Should Top Your List!

Look, I get it. When you're planning things to do in Amsterdam, you've probably got the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and maybe a "coffee shop" visit on your list. But here's what nobody tells you – while everyone else is queueing for hours at museums, you could be living your best life on the canals!

Here's why I'm obsessed with these boat experiences:

• Perfect for solo travellers: Instant friend group? Yes please!
• No awkward small talk needed: The boat does the ice-breaking for you
• Incredible photo ops: Those golden hour canal shots? Chef's kiss
• Safe space to let loose: Professional crew keeping everyone happy and safe

The Smoke Boat Amsterdam: What Really Goes Down

Okay, let's talk about the Smoke Boat Amsterdam experience! This isn't your nan's canal cruise (though honestly, she'd probably love it too).

What you're actually signing up for:

• 60 minutes cruising through UNESCO World Heritage canals
• Smoke-friendly environment (but you absolutely don't have to smoke!)
• Drinks and snacks available on board for a small price
• The most chilled, judgement-free vibe ever
• Amazing crew who share the best Amsterdam coffeeshop stories
• A chance to experience Dutch culture in the most authentic way
• Floating on a cloud through the Amsterdam Canals

The atmosphere? Think "sophisticated adventure with a twist" rather than "messy uni night out." I've met everyone from gap year backpackers to lawyers on city breaks, and everyone just clicks! Whether you're there for the smoke-friendly vibe or just want a unique canal experience, everyone's welcome. The last time I went, I ended up having deep life chats with a couple from Japan while watching the sunset paint the canals gold. Magic!

Amsterdam Booze Cruise: When You Want to Turn It Up!

Now, if the Smoke Boat is the chill friend, the Amsterdam Booze Cruise is the one dragging you onto the dance floor at 2am!

What makes it absolutely brilliant:

• 60 minutes of canal cruising fun
• UNLIMITED drinks (beer, wine, and soft drinks included!)
• Choose between shared tours (meet new people!) or private boats (perfect for groups)
• The most diverse, fun crowd you'll ever meet
• Perfect pre-drinks before a night out

True story: On my last booze cruise, our entire boat ended up at a underground techno club in Noord until sunrise. 

My Tried-and-Tested Tips for the Best Boat Experience

When to Go:

• Sunset cruises = photographer's dream (golden hour is REAL)
• Evening cruises = peak party atmosphere
• Afternoon cruises = perfect for nervous solo travellers

What to Pack:

Solo Female Traveller Safety Tips (because your girl's got your back!):

• Always let someone know your plans
• Book through reputable sites or your accommodation
• Stick with the group when you dock
• Download offline maps before boarding
• Trust your gut – but don't let nerves stop you!

>> READ: How to Safely Solo Travel as a Woman – a Solo Travel Expert

Making Friends on the Boats (It's Easier Than You Think!)

Here's my secret: Everyone on these boats is in the same position – they want to have fun and meet people! Some conversation starters that always work:

• "Where are you travelling from?"
• "Is this your first time in Amsterdam?"
• "Want to grab drinks after this?"
• "Can I get your Instagram?"

Honestly, by the time you dock, you'll have plans for the rest of your trip sorted!

After the Boats: Keeping the Adventure Going!

The best part? These boats dock right in the city centre, so you're perfectly positioned for whatever Amsterdam throws at you next:

• Leidseplein: For proper nightlife vibes
• Jordaan neighbourhood: Cosy brown bars for more drinks
• FEBO: Late-night munchies sorted (those krokets though!)
• Vondelpark: For a sunrise debrief if you make it that long!

More Epic Things to Do in Amsterdam After Your Boat Adventure!

Right, so you've done the boats and made your new squad – what next? Amsterdam is PACKED with amazing experiences that are perfect for keeping the good vibes going!

For the Culture Lovers:

If you're anything like me and love a good museum moment (especially with a slight hangover), the Rijksmuseum is an absolute must. Pro tip: get there early morning to avoid the crowds – trust me on this one! I made the mistake of going at 2pm once and spent more time queuing than actually seeing art. The MOCO Museum is another gem, especially if you're into street art and Banksy pieces. It's proper Instagram worthy and way more accessible than traditional museums. And when you need to refuel? Head straight to Albert Cuyp Market for the best Stroopwafel in the city – no contest! I literally ate three in one sitting and I'm not even sorry.

For the Adventure Seekers:

You can't come to Amsterdam without getting on a bike – it's basically illegal! A bike tour through Vondelpark is the classic Amsterdam experience, and even if you haven't ridden since you were twelve, you'll be fine (I only crashed once, and that was into a bush, so no harm done). For proper adrenaline junkies, the ADAM Lookout has this mental swing on top that goes over the edge of the building. It's absolutely terrifying but SO worth it for the views and the bragging rights. If you fancy getting out of the city for a bit, a day trip to Zaanse Schans is peak Dutch vibes – windmills, cheese tasting, and those cute wooden shoes. It's touristy but in the best possible way!

For Night Owls:

Amsterdam's nightlife is legendary, and I've done some serious research (all in the name of travel blogging, obviously). Paradiso is this former church turned epic music venue that hosts everything from indie bands to techno nights. The acoustics are insane! If underground techno is more your vibe, Radion is where it's at – but fair warning, the door policy can be strict, so don't rock up in your tourist gear. For something more chill, Café de Reiger is my favourite brown bar for a nightcap. It's got that perfect cosy Amsterdam atmosphere where you can chat until 3am without realising where the time went.

Solo Traveller Favourites:

As someone who's explored Amsterdam solo more times than I can count, these are my go-to activities for meeting people and having a blast. Food tours are brilliant – you get to meet other travellers while eating your body weight in cheese and herring (sounds gross, tastes amazing). 

The beauty of starting with a boat tour? You'll probably have a whole crew to explore these with by the end!

Should YOU Book These Amsterdam Boat Experiences?

Look, I've done a LOT of activities while travelling solo, and these boats remain in my top 5 experiences ever. They're not just tourist activities – they're memory-making, friend-finding, story-creating adventures that capture everything I love about travel.

Whether you're a nervous solo traveller, group looking for pre-drinks with a difference or someone who wants to meet people from around the world.